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Smoke from western US wildfires drifts into Iowa

Minor air quality issues and hazy skies are expected across the state all week.

Those with a discerning eye may have noticed a change to the Iowa skies this weekend.

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires in the western U.S. has drifted eastward and is currently passing over Iowa.

Upper-level winds had kept the smoke west of Iowa until this weekend. West-to-east winds will likely continue to push smoke over Iowa this entire week.

As for Monday, smoke is forecast to be most dense in the northern half of the state.

Credit: WOI

Those unusually sensitive to pollution such as those with respiratory issues may want to limit time outdoors.

Most of the smoke is located several thousand feet above the ground so most people will not experience any health issues.

If smoke is dense enough, it can act like cloud cover and prevent temperatures from rising as high as they would on a clear day. This likely won't be the case in Iowa, though.

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